Retraction Calibration for 3D Printing
Starting values by extruder type
- Direct drive: 0.5 to 2 mm distance, 25 to 45 mm/s speed
- Bowden (short tube): 3 to 5 mm distance, 30 to 50 mm/s speed
- Bowden (long tube): 5 to 8 mm distance, 30 to 50 mm/s speed
How to calibrate
- Use OrcaSlicer's Calibration > Retraction or a retraction tower model from Thingiverse
- Set the test to run through a range (e.g., 0.5 mm to 5 mm in 0.5 mm steps)
- Print the tower
- Inspect each band for stringing between the two towers
- Pick the lowest retraction that eliminates strings
Beyond distance and speed
- Z-hop: lifts the nozzle during travel to avoid scratching prints (0.2 to 0.5 mm)
- Wipe: moves the nozzle in a small wipe motion before travel to clear strings
- Coasting: stops extrusion slightly before the end of a wall to use the residual pressure
- Travel speed: faster travel gives less time for ooze (150 to 250 mm/s)
When to recalibrate
- New filament brand or material
- After changing your hotend or nozzle
- After switching from Bowden to direct drive (or vice versa)
- If stringing suddenly appears on a working profile
Browse the range
All filament. Free Siddament profiles ship with pre-calibrated retraction for the spool.